Hoax report puts search teams on standby

A marine radio hoax report of a capsized ship which sparked a big search and rescue mission is being investigated by police.

A rescue helicopter was deployed and the coastguard was put on standby after a report was heard on marine radio describing a capsized ship north-west of Port Taranaki.

Police SAR co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Matt Prendergast said people monitoring radio heard the description and alerted police.

The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter was deployed to look for the ship, he told the Taranaki Daily News.

A later message on the frequency led police to believe the description was false and the search was called off.

Mr Prendergast said the hoax report had wasted the time of the rescue helicopter and police.

"We will always react and take whatever actions deemed necessary, but it is disappointing that someone would have done this. If someone knows who it is we would like to know."

Investigations into the source of the report were continuing.

- NZPA